interested ....
1997-2000 key fob; alternative replacements?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 144
From: Miami
1997-2000 key fob; alternative replacements?
I find it hard to believe there are no alternative key fob replacements from the GM parts bin that are compatible with the BCM of the 1997-2000 C5, other than the ACDelco OEM one. I don't want to dish out $70+ for a key fob if there are alternative replacements. Has anyone had any luck with any other key fob options?
PS: I don't care if it doesn't support keyless entry. Just looking for a remote that will communicate and at least operate the lock/unlock trunk and panic.
PS: I don't care if it doesn't support keyless entry. Just looking for a remote that will communicate and at least operate the lock/unlock trunk and panic.
Last edited by turabo87; Feb 26, 2021 at 11:44 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
They pop up on ebay, craigslist and even this forum. I could not find new replacements but got some through those channels. Also, did you try fixing them yourself? Change batteries? Reprogram?
The 2000s look like the newer ones and don't have the passive slider.
Never use the passive slider.
Never.
The 2000s look like the newer ones and don't have the passive slider.
Never use the passive slider.
Never.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 684
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I have been satisfied with the GM replacement for my ‘99 (fob does not have the passive feature like the oem) but it did cost around $90 a couple of years ago. Seemed like a better alternative than buying someones used one.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
Anyone find any alternatives? I'm curious if any other pre-2k GM key fob is compatible. My 2nd fob is completely dead. Battery swap, cleaning contacts, and checking the PCB for any broken pieces yielded nothing. Really don't want to shell out $90-$100 for a fob that's likely going to not work a few years down the road.
I have seen a 1999 corvette with a key fob that didn't have the "passive" toggle on it. I'll see if I can get the part no. of that one. But otherwise I'm at a dead end with my online search.
I have seen a 1999 corvette with a key fob that didn't have the "passive" toggle on it. I'll see if I can get the part no. of that one. But otherwise I'm at a dead end with my online search.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 684
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
The 1999 fob without “passive” is readily available but will cost about $90. Amazon or any of the GM online parts sites will get you the p/n. I am totally satisfied with my non passive replacement. Sure I would be happier if it was half the price.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 343
From: Shell Point (Crawfordville) Florida
Have you searched on here for the threads about repairing these by resoldering the cold solder joints? Not very difficult and usually revives your non functioning fob. You can't see the bad joints by looking at it, just resolder them.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
Anyways on a whim, I ordered a few late 90s GM key fobs to see if any will work.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 471
From: S.E. Pennsylvania
I changed the receiver to a 2003 MY on my '98. This allowed me to buy two (2) new fobs on Ebay for $10.00. The receiver cost $35.00. The downside is either update your TPMS valves to later years also or lose the tire pressure reading. The new fobs work flawlessly... GOOD LUCK!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,668
They pop up on ebay, craigslist and even this forum. I could not find new replacements but got some through those channels. Also, did you try fixing them yourself? Change batteries? Reprogram?
The 2000s look like the newer ones and don't have the passive slider.
Never use the passive slider.
Never.
The 2000s look like the newer ones and don't have the passive slider.
Never use the passive slider.
Never.
Last edited by grinder11; May 22, 2021 at 09:04 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
1998-2002 Camaro/Firebird key fob didn't work. I had my doubts because I came to conclusion if this key fob did share with another GM vehicle it would of needed TPMS (which I don't recall the 4th gen camaro having).
Anyways I got my key fob working again with wayyy too many hours spent. After much trial, cleaning, and testing the winning combo ended up being reflowing the PCB with a heat gun while using a thermal imager to get the temperature right. I then re-cleaned and tested every contact and silicone button pad. Then had to re-program it to the car, just hitting unlock/lock for 10sec did not reset it, I had to make the car re-learn the fob. I'm happy it worked, but it was 4-6hours of debugging.
Anyways I got my key fob working again with wayyy too many hours spent. After much trial, cleaning, and testing the winning combo ended up being reflowing the PCB with a heat gun while using a thermal imager to get the temperature right. I then re-cleaned and tested every contact and silicone button pad. Then had to re-program it to the car, just hitting unlock/lock for 10sec did not reset it, I had to make the car re-learn the fob. I'm happy it worked, but it was 4-6hours of debugging.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 102
Likes: 12
From: California
I find it hard to believe there are no alternative key fob replacements from the GM parts bin that are compatible with the BCM of the 1997-2000 C5, other than the ACDelco OEM one. I don't want to dish out $70+ for a key fob if there are alternative replacements. Has anyone had any luck with any other key fob options?
PS: I don't care if it doesn't support keyless entry. Just looking for a remote that will communicate and at least operate the lock/unlock trunk and panic.
PS: I don't care if it doesn't support keyless entry. Just looking for a remote that will communicate and at least operate the lock/unlock trunk and panic.